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Who was James MacLachlan (1919-1943)?

Introduction James Archibald Findlay MacLachlan DSO, DFC & Two Bars (01 April 1919 to 31 July 1943) was a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War. MacLachlan was credited with 16 German and Italian aircraft shot down in approximately 250 missions – 7 were at night of which… Read More

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What is a Missing Man Formation?

Introduction The missing man formation is an aerial salute performed as part of a flypast of aircraft at a funeral or memorial event, typically in memory of a fallen pilot, a well-known military service member or veteran, or a well-known political figure. The planes fly in a formation with a space where one plane should… Read More

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What is a Finger-Four Formation?

Introduction The finger-four formation (also known as the “four finger formation” and the “Fingertip Formation”) is a flight formation used by fighter aircraft. It consists of four aircraft, and four of these formations can be combined into a squadron formation. Description The formation consists of a flight of four aircraft, consisting of a “lead element”… Read More

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What were the Eagle Squadrons (1940-1942)?

Introduction The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (circa 1940), prior to America’s entry into the war in December 1941. With the United States still neutral, many Americans simply crossed the border and… Read More